As a fan of Kevin Fredericks’ work, I am truly inspired by his relentless spirit and ability to not quit, even when faced with countless rejections in Hollywood. His unique approach to comedy, characterized by quick wit, improvisation, and an unfiltered style, has allowed him to stand out in a crowded field.
As KevOnStage, also known as Kevin Fredericks, I’m dedicated to tickling funny bones – across virtually any digital stage that humankind has crafted.
Following the kickoff of his career in stand-up comedy, the 41-year-old entertainer has dedicated himself to growing his online influence (boasting close to two million Instagram followers), embarking on humor tours, penning a book, initiating a podcast, and featuring in his self-produced shows. Notably, his latest sitcom “Churchy” made its debut on BET+, and it was also premiered on BET’s cable network earlier this month. Excitingly, it has already been renewed for a second season.
He offers this reason for his actions: “People often find themselves in the most challenging phases of life,” he tells The Hollywood Reporter. “They receive devastating news or experience unfortunate events. Sometimes, what they truly need is a good laugh. And that’s precisely what I aim to deliver – a reliable source of laughter.
Below, Fredericks teases his upcoming comedy tour, as well as shares his reaction to the success of Churchy, how he navigates social media and mainstream Hollywood, his hopes for the future and more.
Going back to the beginning, what first drew you to comedy?
Growing up, I discovered the advantages of spending more time among the adults and participating in their activities. I soon learned that if I could amuse my grandma, uncles, and aunts, they would encourage me by saying, “Come here and perform that trick we saw at church, Kev, do it again!” This allowed me to stay up a bit later. So, I believe I recognized early on that I enjoy making people laugh and that there were rewards associated with this talent.
How different has the transition been for you, moving from producing content for social media to working on a television sitcom within mainstream Hollywood?
There is a freedom of creation. I guess that on social media I can go from — and often do — thought to video within five minutes. I can make people laugh. You have a good day, all that type of stuff. And in Hollywood, it takes a lot longer, but in some ways, the work lasts longer. There’s also a different credibility to like, “I can make it up on the internet, he’s a funny guy, I love his page” to, “Oh man, he’s got a TV show on BET.” That separation of credibility is different, but at the end of the day, people just like laughter, and I think the lines are getting really blurred now between social media and traditional Hollywood.
How would you interpret the recent success of your show “Churchy” on BET+, which has just been renewed for a second season and debuted on BET’s traditional television network?
It’s an extraordinary feeling, something I’ve always aspired for, yet it seemed perpetually out of reach. It’s akin to aiming for the NBA, knowing that if you’re not drafted between 19 and 24, your dream is usually unattainable. However, in the entertainment industry, there’s a chance you could land your first TV show at 40. So, I harbored the same apprehension that it might never materialize. In fact, I had even come to terms with it. But when it finally happens, it feels like experiencing what it would be like to get drafted to the NBA.
What was your favorite thing about creating Churchy and seeing it come to life on the screen?
It occurred to me that a television series could be developed around my life, something unique and relatable that hadn’t been portrayed before. When I saw similar shows, they lacked the authenticity of my real-life experiences and resonance with people like me. Moreover, the opportunity to collaborate with many talented individuals who hadn’t previously had a chance to shine as stars or series regulars was appealing, such as Mark JP Hood. The enthusiasm among the cast was palpable, with many going above and beyond their duties simply because they wanted the show to thrive.
As a creator, it’s incredibly rewarding when I bring to life various projects, especially series that provide platforms for my fellow Black artists to showcase their talents. Knowing that I’m contributing to the creation of these opportunities is an amazing feeling, and it pushes me to keep pushing boundaries in the gaming industry.
What I’m essentially doing is passing on kindness. A significant break came my way when a Black woman assisted me in securing a job at Boeing, which transformed our family’s life. For the first time in years, we were no longer living paycheck to paycheck. We were able to enroll our children in private school and even purchased a new Toyota. However, I believe my mission here is to establish opportunities for others, to pay it forward as best I can.
Why did you decide to blend your religious beliefs with humor, considering that religion is a highly sensitive subject in today’s political discourse?
The essence lies in being true to oneself, and my friend describes this as being fiercely sincere. To me, being fiercely sincere means you’re unique and yet relatable. So, “Churchy” indeed focuses on a small church in the South. However, it initially revolves around a father-son relationship where the son is trying to prove his worth, a dynamic that exists universally. Many people yearn for their father’s approval, saying, “Well done, my son.”… And in the end, when you work within a church, it’s essentially a workplace comedy, similar to how “The Office” is a workplace comedy.
What aspects of your “Life From the Back Pew Tour” starting early this year are you looking forward to the most?
Stand-up comedy holds the deepest place in my heart. The joy of gathering people together and making them laugh for an hour and a half is my most cherished activity. This time around, I’ve got the opportunity to perform in a way I haven’t before. Unlike typical stand-up shows where the comedian stands on stage and delivers jokes, this one will be more interactive, more musical, and filled with movement. When I first began, my stand-up comedy was similar to this style, but due to financial constraints, I couldn’t travel or incorporate music and other elements as extensively as I can now. So, this show isn’t your traditional stand-up act.
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As a gamer, I’d say it’s quite a switch going from creating my own content to collaborating with the hilarious comedian, Tony Baker, on The Bald Brothers projects. While my solo content allows me the freedom to express my unique perspective and ideas, working with Tony brings an exciting blend of his wit and humor, making our content more dynamic and engaging. It’s a fun challenge to find common ground and create something that resonates with our audience while showcasing each other’s strengths.
The duo known as “The Bald Brothers” is captivating due to the unique dynamic of us delivering stand-up comedy simultaneously, a rarity in this field. What truly sets it apart for me is its improvisational nature – each performance is entirely different. As a performer, I get to experience being both on stage and in the audience because the show unfolds spontaneously. Essentially, “The Bald Brothers” is an unscripted comedy show that thrives on impromptu humor. The excitement lies in not knowing what my partner Tony will say next, so when he delivers a hilarious joke, I get to enjoy it from the best seat in the house. Occasionally, I can even contribute with a joke or two, or simply watch him laugh. Overall, performing with “The Bald Brothers” offers a different kind of pleasure compared to performing solo. If given the choice, I would likely choose this collaborative experience over performing alone because it’s far more enjoyable for me.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve been able to overcome to get you to where you are today?
Frankly, I’m persisting in this field, and there’d be no blame if you chose to leave Hollywood for a stable job. The amount of rejection here can feel overwhelming, and if folks really knew how much we endure for each opportunity, they might think it’s not worth the struggle. But my remarkable talent lies in my resilience, not some hidden trick or power – simply refusing to give up when the urge arises is often enough.
What do you hope people take away from your content and shows overall?
On most of my social media profiles, I strive to bring a dose of humor into your day, even if it means distracting you from more serious tasks. I don’t aim for much else beyond that. Whether you’re observing me in the driveway or glancing at me while taking a break, my primary goal is to make you chuckle. People often face tough times, receive devastating news, or go through hardships. In such moments, laughter can be a powerful source of comfort. That’s all I aspire to offer – a reliable space where you can find humor and a smile.
With a number of productions under my belt both as an actor, writer, and producer, I’m eager to know what lies ahead for me in the world of entertainment.
I’d like to explore more opportunities, both within mainstream and independent filmmaking. Each approach offers unique advantages: indie films let me express myself freely and swiftly, while Hollywood allows for wider exposure and collaborating with a broader range of talented professionals. I find value in both and enjoy the perks they bring.
If you had to describe what makes Kevin Fredericks, Kevin Fredericks, what would you say?
I tend not to overthink my actions or words before I express them. If I did, I might caution myself against doing things like taking off my shirt, recording a video, or sharing myself publicly because I might regret it later. However, since I don’t, my thoughts and actions quickly move from one neuron to another, resulting in creation, editing, and posting without much reflection. This approach sets me apart from many others because they often pause to reconsider their actions, thinking about potential reactions or consequences. In essence, I act spontaneously, and the result is usually a direct representation of my thoughts.
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2024-11-19 18:55